Giambattista Valli

Iman is Giambattista Valli's latest red-carpet coup. Accepting her Fashion Icon Award at the CFDAs last week, she was the definition of va-va-voom in a strapless version of one of Valli's frothy black confections from the Fall runway. For Resort, the Paris-based designer is playing it more low-key. The collection is still utterly feminine, of course, and hardly subdued (animal prints abound), but the emphasis is on daywear and cocktail attire, not full-on gala. The key silhouette is mid-thigh, and as for fabrics, it's all about the mix. The opening shift dress combines sheer chiffon, black eyelet, white grosgrain ribbon, and a giraffe print. A coat-dress, from top to bottom, is tiger print, vermilion ribbon, and black-and-white tweed. The net result? This Valli outing was eclectic and elegant in equal measure.